When the time comes to get a roof replacement, you may want to ask yourself what type of shingle is most suitable for you and your home. Just because you currently have a certain material installed doesn't mean it's the highest performing, most affordable, or can offer the best protection when severe weather hits town.
MD Roofing & Solar, a GAF Master Elite roofing company, is well-versed in many different types of roofing available on the market today, and believes in educating customers on the right choice for them and their houses. You wouldn't recommend clay tiles to homeowners in regions that get below freezing temperatures, for example, but they're an excellent choice for hot climates that need above average ventilation.
Below we've outlined a few different types of shingles and the things homeowners should consider about each before getting a new roofing system installed.
Always Popular Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofs have always been a popular choice among homeowners. Their versatility allows them to keep up with style trends, such as colors and textures, and they have been modified and changed overtime to be able to offer functionality that asphalt shingles historically couldn't—like energy efficiency. GAF manufactures a line of shingles with cool roof technology to prevent soaring energy costs for homeowners. Simply put, these shingles have larger asphalt granules embedded to reflect more UV rays from the hot South Carolina sun.
Asphalt shingles are also the most affordable. Not only are the manufacturing costs low, but asphalt shingles are easy to install, so your labor costs will be optimal as well.
Sleek and Sturdy Metal Shingles
Metal roofing systems have always been a smart option. Metal is naturally reflective and is an energy efficient option without any enhancing or perfecting, though you can add a reflective roof coating for good measure.
Metal has proven itself to make a durable roof too, and works great in climates that receive all sorts of poor weather, from hurricanes to blizzards. It's virtually impenetrable by water, high winds, or flying debris, and even comes with a class A fire rating. Some popular metal roofing options include:
- Zinc
- Tin
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Copper
Recently, metal has become a popular residential roofing option because of its curb appeal, giving houses a sleek and standout appearance. Metal is one of the pricier roofing options, but the resale value and 5+ decade lifespans typically offset costs nicely.
Tried and True Tile Shingles
Tile roofs bring a timeless appearance to any home, but also offer supreme durability. Known to last up to 100 years with proper maintenance, tile roofs are a great option for those residing in hot, dry climates. The overlapping pattern of tile roofs allow it to "breathe" and airflow to pass through. And any heat that they absorb during the day gets released again at night. Some high-performing tile types include:
- Slate
- Clay
- Concrete
Tiles are on the expensive side, because they're generally difficult to install. Their weight and fragility make them hard to handle, and they require a very precise, step-by-step installation technique that is more labor-intensive than other roofing types.
State-of-the-Art Solar Shingles
One of the most cutting-edge developments in the roofing industry in recent history is the production of solar shingles. Solar shingles, which are actually mini solar panels, have been designed to mimic regular shingles in both appearance and function—all while generating energy for your home. Solar shingles come with a heftier initial cost, but that gets offset pretty quickly by the money homeowners save from their lower electric bills each month.
MD Roofing and Solar has over 100 years of combined experience installing roofing and solar systems, so we have the expertise needed to handle more complex installations like solar shingles. Plus, we stand behind our work with labor and manufacturer warranties, so our customers rest assured that we'll be there ASAP if anything were to happen.
Get in touch with MD Roofing and Solar today and we'll give you a free estimate on any of our roofing services and tell you more about the roofing types we can provide.
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